Herrin Animal Hospital kicks off 24th Annual Toy Drive
Herrin Animal Hospital in Cassville is hosting its 24th Annual Toy Drive. People may drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the Hospital at 93 Smithson Drive, or call to have a toy picked up. Toys are distributed locally by OACAC’s Barry County Neighborhood Center. For more information, people may call 417-847-5888. “Help brighten a child’s holiday,” a Hospital press release said.
Shell Knob VFW Auxiliary hosting chili and soup dinner
The Shell Knob VFW Ladies Auxiliary will host a chili and soup dinner on Dec. 9 from 4-6 p.m. at the Shell Knob VFW Hall. All funds raised will support the new Shell Knob library building fund. For more information, people may contact the Shell Knob Branch Library at 417-858-3618 or email shellknob@blrlibrary.org.
ERCA hosting Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Eagle Rock Community Association will host its inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony at the ERCA Pavilion, located at 27824 Hwy. 86 in Eagle Rock on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. “We look forward to seeing our community ands sharing hot cocoa and cider,” a press release said.
Haven hosting ‘Paws with Santa Claus’
The Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary will host the inaugural Paws with Santa Claus on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the facility, located at 9617 Farm Road 2190, Washburn, MO 65772. For a $20 donation, participants will receive digital photo emailed within 48 hours and sized for web media, photo prints or Christmas cards no larger than 4×6. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. People may call 417-835-3647 to reserve a photo session. People may also buy a chance to win gift baskets at $5 per chance, or five for $20. The drawing will be on Dec. 11, with winners notified by phone. Pets should be leased at all times, and photo services are being donated by VanHook Photography, LLC, retired. All proceeds benefit Haven of the Ozarks and animals that do not have a home for the holidays.
Ozark Festival Orchestra to celebrate Christmas Dec. 3
The Ozark Festival Orchestra, based in Monett, will celebrate the Christmas season with its “Hello Christmas!” concert at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3, at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center, located at 1 David Sippy Drive in Monett. Under the direction of Carla Wootton, the OFO will present a concert of seasonal favorites. Music will include excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” with ballet dancers from the Midwest Regional Ballet Company in Joplin, Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” as arranged by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, plus seasonal medleys and carols. Santa Claus will also be there to take pictures with any child, no matter what age, and he will also lead a sing-along at the end of the concert. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and free for children high school age and under. The OFO will continue its 44th season with its Young Artists show on Feb. 25 at the performing arts center. The OFO is a community orchestra composed of players from southwest Missouri and nearby towns, including Cassville, focusing primarily on classical music. The orchestra is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization supported by sponsors, memberships, local foundations, ads in the orchestra program book and funds managed by the Monett Community Foundation. Additional information is available at www.ozarkfestivalorchestra.org or Facebook/ Ozark Festival Orchestra.
Wheaton Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade set
The Wheaton Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade in Wheaton has been scheduled for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the community building from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and after the parade. Parade entry forms are available at Wheaton City Hall, or online at www.cityofwheaton.mo.citygovt.org. For questions or more information, people may call 417-652-3314 or email jogina@cityofheatonmo.org. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places in seven categories. Line-up begins at 4:30 p.m. at Body of Christ Church. The route is north on Highway 86 then east on Main Street, ending at the Wheaton school district.
Public hearing set in Seligman
The Planning and Zoning Commission of the city of Seligman will host a public hearing to discuss zoning changes requested. The meeting will be held at City Hall, located at 29144 Main St., at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18. The reason for the request is the current zoning does not allow for a car lot as permitted use.
The Inspirations Quartet to perform in Shell Knob
The Inspirations Quartet, the 2023 Singing News Artist of the Year, will perform in Shell Knob as an area appreciation event hosted by Stumpff’s Realty and Auction Service. The concert will be on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Shell Knob School gymnasium. Duane Garren will emcee the event, and concessions will be available starting at 5:30 p.m., courtesy of the Shell Knob volleyball team. Admission is free, and an offering will be received. For more information, people may call 417-847-2507.
Exeter Christmas Parade scheduled
The annual Exeter Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m. The entry deadline is nov. 27. For more information or to enter, people may call Exeter City Hall at 417-835-2823.
Cassville Farmers’ Market open twice per week
The Cassville Farmers’ Market is open for the season, running twice a week on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. across from Security Bank and Saturdays on the Cassville Square from 8 a.m. to noon. The market offers local fresh cut flowers, produce, eggs, baked goods, hand made crafts and more. For more information, people may call 417-846-3539.
OATS rides available in Barry County
OATS Transit offers regular transportation services for the rural general public of any age, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Please call the local OATS Transit office at 417-887-9272 or 800-770-6287 to schedule a ride or find out about services in the Barry County area. People may also visit the OATS website at oatstransit.org to view local schedules under “Bus Schedules,” then click on the county of service. OATS offices will be closed, and regular routes will not be running on Feb. 20 for Presidents’ Day. Please keep this in mind as trips are scheduled near these holidays. OATS Transit is hiring drivers statewide to can continue serving riders. Openings are listed on the OATS website.
Seligman dances ongoing each Saturday
The Seligman Chamber of Commerce country dances at the Seligman Chamber Event Center are every Saturday from 7-10 p.m. No alcohol is allowed. Admission is $10 per person, and 18-and-under are free. There is a potluck, 50-50 drawing and door prizes. For more information, people may call 479-903-3640.
